KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo has announced new measures that are meant to help prevent the spread of illness, such as the flu and coronavirus.
The move follows similar measures that were previously taken in the Saginaw area.
The Diocese released the following guidelines online March 8 –
- Direct that the Sign of Peace should be a non-touching gesture;
- Suspend the distribution of the Precious Blood during Sunday and weekday Masses to the Faithful;
- Encourage people to receive the Sacred Host in the hand rather than on the tongue, though that must still remain the Communicant’s option;
- Ensure that all holy water fonts are emptied and cleaned after each Mass if possible, and then replenished and blessed.
- Add a special Prayer of the Faithful at each Mass in regard to this public health crisis.
“We sent out a guideline, the same ones we sent out when there had been more serious cases of the flu, I believe the last round of this type was in 2009, when there was a large occurrence of the swine flu, so these are really just practical guidelines,” Executive Director of Communication Victoria Cessna said. “I think the advice is for people to do what they’re most comfortable with for their own protection.”
Those who are concerned about getting sick through skin contact, such as hand shaking during Mass, are encouraged to avoid it if it makes them uncomfortable.
“They can just gracefully decline,” Cessna said.
Furthermore, those who are actually sick are encouraged to stay home to prevent the spread of illness.
“I think a lot of people worry that they’re not gonna make their mass obligation, but if you’re sick, you can certainly stay home and you’re excused,” Cessna said. “You’re not gonna get in trouble.”
In a letter written by The Most Rev. Robert D. Gruss, Bishop of Saginaw, it was explained that those who are sick can still livestream services in Saginaw online. However, livestreams are not available for the Kalamazoo Diocese.
Livestreaming from the Grand Rapids Diocese is available. Information about how to do so can be found online at this link. Similar guidelines have also been taken by the Grand Rapids Diocese.
Joshua Scott contributed to this article.
